Vermont Solar Rebates, Incentives and Tax Credits

Vermont’s capitol city, Montpelier, is the smallest state capital in the U.S., with a population of less than 9,000 people. But they make up for that by claiming the largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S title. Vermont is also surrounded by forests with over three-quarters of the state covered in greenness but alas the state has had a tough time passing renewable energy legislation. In 2007, House Bill 520, which supports renewable energy power projects of all types and all sizes—wind, solar, hydro, and biomass, was passed by both the Vermont House and Senate but was ultimately vetoed by Governor Jim Douglas. On the solar legistation front, Vermont has not been too active apart from continuing to fund the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program.

Net-metering

Any electric customer in Vermont can enroll in net-metering after obtaining a Certificate of Public Good from the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB). An application for a Certificate of Public Good for Interconnected Net Metered Power Systems is available here. Net-metering is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will be closed once the cumulative capacity of net-metered systems equals 2% of a utility’s peak demand during 1996 or the peak demand during the most recent full calendar year, whichever is greater. If you net- meter your net excess generation (NEG) (the additional electricty that you generate but don’t use) will be carried over to your next bill. You have 12 months to use these NEG credits otherwise they will be given to the utility and you will not be compensated. Net metering is also available under a time-of-use metering arrangement.

You may opt in to a program by signing a contract with the municipality’s Clean Energy Assessment District.

The contract specifies the amount of the loan, the terms of repayment and the associated risks.

You must agree to a special assessment and lien on the property.

The municipality may release a lien on a property once the property owner has met the terms of the loan, or in the event of a foreclosure.

Financing may not exceed 15% of assessed property value.

Production Incentive

Green Mountain Power is offering a bonus payment to customers with net-metered home solar power systems. The bonus is that Green Mountain Power customers will receive $0.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity generated by the system. There is no specified duration or expiration date.Details:

In order to net meter, customers must first apply for and receive a “Net Metering Certificate of Public Good” from the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB).

An additional meter must be installed to record each system’s output and Green Mountain Power will reimburse customers for up to $300 of the expenses associated with the additional meter.

Vermont Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program
This program was initiated in June 2003 to provide funding for new solar water heating, solar electric (photovoltaic) , wind, and micro-hydro energy system installations. It is currently in its sixth round of funding (5.2 million dollars). These funds were made available as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) via the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund.
Details:

The program is available to single and multi-family residences;

Residential rebates are $1.50/Watt (W) up to 10 kilowatts (kW) with a maximum incentive of $15,000;

There is a special category for low-income familes to recieve $3.00/W DC up to 10 kW with the maximum incentive up to 35% of project costs;

Once a total of 750 kW of applications have been reserved during this sixth round of funding under the residential and commercial categories, solar incentive levels will be reduced. Only systems installed by pre-approved installers will be eligible for funding and once your application is accepted have 9 months to complete the installation

Still have questions? Fill out our free evaluation form and let us put you in touch with some qualified Vermont solar installers who can answer all your questions and provide you with tailored installation quotes.

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Residential Solar 101 is dedicated to educating homeowners and renters about solar power options. We believe that the economic argument for solar is just as compelling as the environmental one and that everyone can save money and the environment at the same time.